New York Wellness and Spa

March 24, 2014

skin careSpa and Wellness Show IECSC was the inspiration for New York wellness recently.  The happening – that took place at the Javits Convention Center – was a joint project between the International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conference and IBS New York.

The conference bought to New York wellness the most up-to-date spa treatments, skincare, beauty products and more to the benefit of more than 60,000 participants.  The conference lasted for three days, during which time professionals in the wellness genre assembled to hear about the latest products and techniques.

IECSC New York is for sure the most extensive spa show in the North East, as well as the main spa and wellness event, nationwide.  So for proponents and advocates of New York wellness, this really is the place to be.  In addition, it’s a great, relaxed, mellow atmosphere.

It seems like the trend for New York wellness and relaxation in 2014 in general is organic:  themes include: holistic, natural, products.  Popular amongst these are: Ageless Secret, Éminence Organic Skin Care and FarmHouse Fresh.

eSafely Protecting Kids From Cyberbullying

March 19, 2014

According to a recent news article in NY1, cyberbullying has led to various teen suicide cases.

One thing parents and teachers can do is install an online filter.  eSafely protects children “against threat of cyber bullying by replacing harassing messages with friends icons in Facebook Chat.”  As well, it filters problematic Facebook images, avoiding exposure to adult content, guarding against the risk of a child inadvertently browsing an inappropriate site.  In addition, when eSafely is enabled, a page deemed inappropriate that is accessed will be loaded with child-friendly and suitable images.

Cyberbullying is a serious problem. It’s a way for bullies to attack and victimize kids.  Indeed, according to 14 year old Fouad Dakwar, these bullies “think they can say whatever they want because they have the protection of a screen so they end up saying really hurtful things.”

Parents who have daughters should be especially aware of the potential for cyberbully.  According to Dr. Marianne Chai, Medical Director of New York Center for Living, cyberbullying is more prevalent with girls.  In addition, the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey in 2011 reported that around 16 percent of high school students were the victims of cyberbullying.

With protection such as that offered by eSafely, much of this issue can be avoided.  eSafely’s browser add-on based parental control “keeps you safe where your web filter doesn’t.”

New York Fitness: Checking in on our Pets

February 24, 2014

fitbarkNew York fitness is expanding to our pets.  Fitbark is a device that tracks a dog’s activity minute-by-minute.  Developed by Michael Chiang and Davide Rossi, according to Chiang it enables dog owners to “look through and see how their dog is doing at any moment of the day.”  Every movement the dog makes is recorded via the smartphone.  The reason it was developed, according to Rossi is to bridge the “communication gap” that currently exists between pets and their owners.

Fitbark is not so dissimilar to human health trackers, initially recording basic data such as breed, age and weight.  This enables pet owners to compare their pet’s behavioral patterns.  The device – that retails at around $100 – records when a dog is sleeping or just resting, or walking around, etc., breaking it down to the hour as well as providing a weekly report.

As Chiang explains, that what the device enables pet owners to do is to “quantify” their dogs.  “We call it quantified woof.”

New NYC Health Commissioner

January 23, 2014

sodaLast week, Bill de Blasio appointed Dr. Mary Basset as Health Commissioner.  This was an interesting move given that she previously worked as deputy commissioner in the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene alongside Bloomberg.  However, it is in line with Blasio’s promise to “continue” the work on his predecessor’s health agenda.

Blasio said that in terms of NYC health, this was one of the few areas that he felt the same as Bloomberg (the one who put the ban on over-sized sodas).  And thus he explained, “it’s only fitting that we’ve reached out to someone who was one of the architects of these successful policies.”

New York Fitness: In Your Office!

December 21, 2013

exercise-sitting-ballPeople spend way too much time at the office.  And much of that time is spent sitting down, completely stagnant.  This is not good for overall health.  In fact, there is even a medical condition known as “sitting disease,” which is when people spend six or more hours of their day just sitting.   Further, for those concerned about if their “butt looks big in this,” Auburn University Exercise Physiologist Michelle Olson, Ph.D., found that “excessive sitting can flatten the buttocks.”  So it might be worth finding a solution for all those seemingly endless hours one is sitting at the office.

Well, now, thanks to Midtown Manhattan Core Club Trainer Josh Holland, this need no longer be the case.  Because he has brought in a large rubber ball to offices that can be used for “active sitting,” which is the latest mantra used in the New York fitness community.  Stability balls are thus becoming a trend in New York fitness promoting offices.  Indeed, Technogym’s Brand Ambassador Josh Holland uses the company’s $225 Wellness Ball.  This particular ball features a weighted bottom (to prevent rolling) QR code (to allow users to access exercise tutorials on smartphones/tablets).  Holland teaches those who want to stay in shape how to use the ball at their desks so that while they are sitting they can move.

Other items being introduced into offices with the same idea to promote New York fitness include: Gaiam Balance Ball Chair (retailing at $100) Muvman stool from Aeris ($700), the Buoy stool ($200).  Some even claim that these exercise balls/chairs give them more toned abs.

Of course, the best thing to do while spending so much time at the office is to actually stop sitting for a while!  Every 20 minutes or so, get up from your desk and move around! That’s one way of preventing sitting disease.

New York Wellness

November 20, 2013

superfoodsA series of weekly interactive complimentary culinary and wellness programs have been launched by the Westin New York Grand Central.  Hotel guests and New Yorkers are invited to participate in this series that seeks to promote New York wellness.  It will take place every Wednesday from 4 30 ‘til 5 30 in the hotel lobby.

One such event is taking place today, with Chef Brian Weiler who will be offering a cooking demonstration using recipes that focus on Superfoods.  Also at the event will be tastings and a Question and Answer session with the Chef.  Other events promoting New York wellness in the series include an explanation of the hotel’s fitness-themed amenities (such as the RunWESTIN™ program ) and tips from the Running Concierge.

New York Health and DVT

October 17, 2013

New York health this month focuses on developing awareness of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) risk factors. The New York Vein Treatment Center is running a campaign on the condition that impacts between 300,000 and 600,000 Americans, clotting blood in the veins of the lower extremities.  As part of its campaign to enhance New York health vis-à-vis preventing DVT, the Center will be using social media methods such as its Facebook and Twitter pages.

Leading vein doctor at the center, Dr. Lev Khitin pointed out that immobility is one of the main risk factors for the development of DVT.  Thus it is important to keep moving to “encourage proper circulation” and thus reduce the risk. While varicose veins are common in both men and women, the latter are more prone to them, especially after pregnancies.  There are however, many different treatment options available as well as minimally invasive surgery that lead to excellent results.

Increasing awareness of any kind of condition, illness or disease is the way forward in enhancing health for everyone.  The fact that the New York Vein Treatment Center is engaging in this campaign during October could potentially improve New York health.

Enhancing NYC Health

September 16, 2013

public-health-clinicsIn an effort to improve NYC health in the public sphere, a pilot project is being launched to assemble all electronic health record (EHR) data into a surveillance tool.  The project – the NYC Macroscope – is being undertaken by the City University of New York School of Public Health and the New York City Public Health Department.  It will access information on NYC health from the city’s Primary Care Information Project in order to oversee the existence of chronic conditions as well as things like flu vaccinations.

According to Carolyn Greene MD, deputy commissioner of the NYC Department of Health, this project – while not intended to obliterate regular NYC health surveillance – can potentially offer a substantial amount of information on various conditions “in real time.”  It is also hoped that it will “increase connections between public health and clinical care.”

In addition, Greene noted that public health authorities should be focusing on monitoring the population’s health.  EHR, she noted, “offer a very useful tool to do this. In turn, it is our responsibility to feed data back to policymakers, to those who come up with clinical guidelines, to providers, to the public, and we hope that the data we gather and monitor using electronic health records will have an impact on clinical care.”

New York Fitness: Trampolining

August 9, 2013

trampoliningNew York fitness is taking a new direction.  Instead of regular exercise, New Yorkers who want to get – and stay – in shape, are turning to trampoline yoga.  Bill Hedberg, Director of the Shen Tao Studio in the Flatiron District, is using trampolines to get his class in shape.

This New York fitness craze has hit the stars as well. Throughout the nation, this type of new fitness is taking off at the Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park (LA) and the Sky Zone (Buffalo), that witnessed Julianne Hough and Amanda Bynes respectively.  Alexandra Perez is behind this, being the founder of the Bari Studio, Tribeca.  He explained the benefits of the exercise:  “When you’re bouncing, at the very top of your movement, there’s zero gravity.  And at the very bottom of your movement, you weigh four times your weight, so it’s very different from anything else on the ground or in the water.” As well, “you produce a lot more endorphins when you’re bouncing. So it’s fun. Your lymphs produce a hormone that makes you happier. It’s the same reason kids love to jump on the bed.”

New York Wellness

July 8, 2013

wellnessNew York Wellness continues to thrive thanks to Esprit Wellness.  This complete outpatient practice that seeks to provide holistic care and treatment for patients, is currently marking over 15 years of practice in Manhattan.  Somewhat unique to the region, the center offers cutting-edge treatments such as Active Release and Graston Techniques. Esprit Wellness also boasts top equipment for its clientele that requires integral pain relief and rehabilitative facilities, providing top level care and escalating overall New York wellness to all those who use it.

The Active Release Technique uses soft tissue management in the hope of assisting with trauma, repetitive stress, and connective tissue developed adhesions in an attempt to restore muscle function to enable the body to perform at improved levels.  This is particularly beneficial to patients who require a long time to recover.

The Graston Technique reduces the time needed for treatment to ensure the patient’s speedy recovery. It also decreases the need for anti-inflammatory medication by engaging in everyday activities. The Graston Technique provides advantages to the patient as well as employers by keeping the patient on the job and reducing healthcare costs throughout treatment.

Ultimately, Esprit Wellness is working toward the constant improvement of New York wellness by promoting an understanding of how crucial it is to engage in an active lifestyle with physical therapy.  There is also a focus on working with matters such as scoliosis as well as other chronic conditions.  Working in these ways persistently ensures quality of life and well-being – the ultimate goal of Esprit Wellness.